New discovery reveals brain’s nighttime cleaning system
A recent podcast episode explores the science of sleep, highlighting a discovery made over a decade ago. For thousands of years, humans have wondered about sleep’s purpose, considering possibilities such as rest, memory consolidation, or cognitive processing. In the last 15 years, scientists have uncovered another potential explanation: waste disposal. In 2012, neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard’s lab discovered that the brain has its own cleaning process, called the glymphatic system, which clears away unhelpful proteins and metabolic byproducts. This system only switches on at night. Since the initial discovery, researchers have learned more about what drives this system and how it may impact dementia. In the podcast, Ian Sample speaks with Professor Nedergaard about her original discovery and subsequent findings.
What’s reported
Humans have wondered why we sleep for thousands of years.
In the last 15 years, scientists discovered waste disposal as a possible purpose for sleep.
In 2012, neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard’s lab discovered the glymphatic system.
The glymphatic system clears unhelpful proteins and metabolic byproducts from the brain.
The system only switches on at night.
Subsequent research has explored how the glymphatic system may impact dementia.
The podcast features Ian Sample interviewing Professor Maiken Nedergaard.
Key figures
Maiken Nedergaard, neuroscientist, professor
Ian Sample, interviewer (The Guardian podcast host)
Sources: The Guardian
